Dental Hygienist Salary in Tennessee
Based on 5K+ workers in Tennessee
Median Annual Salary (TN)
$84,640
$40.69/hr
vs National Average
$96,870
-12.6% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$76K – $98K
5K employed in Tennessee
The median Dental Hygienist salary in Tennessee is $84,640 per year, which translates to approximately $41 per hour. This figure is notably lower than the national average, by about 12.6%. With 4,570 dental hygienists employed across the state, Tennessee offers a significant job market for this essential healthcare profession.
Several factors influence a Dental Hygienist salary in Tennessee. Experience plays a crucial role, with entry-level positions typically earning less than those with many years of practice. Location within Tennessee, such as urban versus rural areas, and the specific type of dental practice (e.g., private practice, public health clinic, or specialty office) also contribute to salary variations.
Salary Distribution — Dental Hygienist in Tennessee
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $76,190 |
| 25th percentile | $80,380 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $84,640 |
| 75th percentile | $94,240 |
| 90th percentile | $98,300 |
Top-Paying Industries for Dental Hygienist (U.S.)
Which industries pay Dental Hygienists the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Dental Hygienists in Tennessee tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Administrative and Support Services | $102,340 | 2K |
| Finance and Insurance | $100,180 | 40 |
| Health Care and Social Assistance | $98,180 | 217K |
| Manufacturing | $96,200 | 40 |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $94,570 | 120 |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Dental Hygienist in Tennessee vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Tennessee) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $84,640 |
| 2026 (projected) | $87,179 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Tennessee Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $84,640 | $96,870 |
| 2026 (projected) | $87,179 | $99,776 |
Dental Hygienist Salary by Experience Level in Tennessee
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $80,380 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $84,640 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $94,240 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $98,300 |
Dental Hygienist Salary in Other States
Related Dental Hygienist Salaries in Tennessee
How other high-demand occupations in Tennessee compare to Dental Hygienist ($84,640 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Dental Hygienist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cardiologist in TN | $610,080 | +620.8% | $293.31/hr |
| Surgeon in TN | $373,510 | +341.3% | $179.57/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in TN | $354,580 | +318.9% | $170.47/hr |
| Anesthesiologist in TN | $330,620 | +290.6% | $158.95/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in TN | $232,220 | +174.4% | $111.64/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in TN | $226,830 | +168.0% | $109.05/hr |
| Dentist in TN | $215,290 | +154.4% | $103.50/hr |
| Psychiatrist in TN | $214,880 | +153.9% | $103.31/hr |
| Podiatrist in TN | $212,470 | +151.0% | $102.15/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in TN | $211,450 | +149.8% | $101.66/hr |
| Pediatrician in TN | $176,210 | +108.2% | $84.72/hr |
| Optometrist in TN | $134,170 | +58.5% | $64.50/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a Dental Hygienist in Tennessee?
- The median Dental Hygienist salary in Tennessee is $84,640 annually, equating to $41 per hour. This indicates that half of dental hygienists in the state earn more than this amount, and half earn less.
What is the salary range for Dental Hygienists in Tennessee?
- In Tennessee, the salary range for Dental Hygienists generally falls between $76,190 and $98,300 per year. This means that the lowest-paid professionals typically earn around $76,190, while the highest earners can make up to $98,300.
How does the Dental Hygienist salary in Tennessee compare to the national average?
- Dental Hygienist salaries in Tennessee are approximately 12.6% lower than the national average. For example, if the national median is around $96,800, a Tennessee hygienist might earn closer to the state's median of $84,640.
How many Dental Hygienists are employed in Tennessee?
- There are approximately 4,570 Dental Hygienists employed in Tennessee. This number reflects the overall demand and job availability for the profession within the state.